Five horses to follow at the Curragh on Sunday

Tipster: RaceiQ nap of the day (Andy Stephens).

Best odds: 14-1.

➡️ The Data Detective: tips for the Irish Champions Festival

Final two furlongs at Curragh in May: 22.79sec

Highest Speed: 42.67mph (latest run)

Finishing Speed Percentage form: 131201

The regally bred Headmaster is invariably a strong finisher and flew from last of 22 to first in the final two furlongs when winning over course and distance in May.

He’s since had valid excuses, including when dropped to five furlongs last time, and the 12-1 on offer looks chunky.

He finished only tenth of 12 that day but still had the best Finishing Speed Percentage and is now 4lb lower in the ratings. Coul Angel and Dark Ace are others for the shortlist. 

Tipster: Ross Millar.

Best odds: Evens.

➡️ Ross Millar's Sunday tips: best bets at the Curragh and Doncaster

Sun Goddess is head and shoulders above these rivals in every conceivable way. 

On form, she was entitled to win the Harry's Half Million By Goffs race at York last time out in the manner that she did. However, the way the race played out means the performance is worthy of as serious upgrade.

She repeatedly lacked crucial racing room, and looked to have a mountain to climb with two furlongs to run, yet once switched out wide, she flew home to win eased down. 

On that evidence, the extra furlong will suit well, and she’s twice taken the measure of second-favourite Green Empress. I struggle to find a reason why the form will be reversed. 

As I write this, she’s the evens favourite, and I’d suggest she’s the best value evens bet to race in a juvenile contest anywhere this season, in my opinion, with the only concern being the yard’s moderate recent form, though that could well have been rectified by the close of racing on Saturday. 

Tipster: Angus McNae.

Best odds: 12-1.

➡️ Angus McNae's tips for the Curragh: "She should resume winning ways"

I am taking American Affair to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes last time out. 

Prior to that, he won at Goodwood in a very fast time, and a repeat of that performance will see him go close here. 

A high draw is generally favourable at this track over sprint trips, and in stall 18, he has a favourable birth.

The sprinting scene this year is a confused one, but American Affair is highly talented, and can land the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes.

Tipster: Alex Scott.

Best odds: 5-1.

➡️ 2026 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes: runner-by-runner guide and tip

Aidan O'Brien has only won one of the past eight renewals but looks strongly represented in an open race this year. At the prices, it could pay to side with HAFFNER, who has an experience edge over those shorter than him in the market and impressed last time in what, at this stage at least, looks a strong Acomb Stakes. His Goodwood conqueror Dr Rascal also looks solid, whilst Giant Sequoia can take another step forward and round out the places.

Tipster: Johnny Ward.

Best odds: 13-8.

➡️ Johnny Ward's Sunday tips at the Curragh: "He has to be hugely respected"

I believe the key to Thundering On's chance here is the rain. 

She did not look the star she seemed in the Betfred Oaks when fourth here last time out, but that was still not a bad run at all, and conditions will be much slower here.

With Ryan Moore booked, she's the one to side with at 13-8, and she's open to further progress.